First, it was a funky, chemical flavor—now, worse. Are the beloved Costco rotisserie chickens going down for good?
Here’s the full story.
As we all know, the Costco rotisserie chicken is one of the best dinner deals money can buy. Famed for its inflation-proof $5 price and tender, flavorful meat, the roasted chicken is a favorite among club members. For the longest time, it’s topped our list of weekly must-grabs.
But, back in March, some customers noticed something different about the fully-cooked chicken meat—it tasted a bit off. Reddit users shared their experiences, saying for the first time, they tasted a “distinct chemical flavor" in each meaty bite, and news outlets started paying attention.
After some investigation, experts concluded the flavor came from the use of phosphates in the preservation processof the chicken. For some palates, phosphates can taste strange and chemical-like, the same way cilantro tastes like soap to some people.
But now, a new phenomenon is surrounding the rotisserie chickens that's even more alarming than a foul flavor. Customers are reporting illness after eating the Costco chicken.
We didn’t want to believe it until one of our very own editors (and her family) fell victim to the chicken.
“We had a Costco rotisserie chicken on hand so we shredded some and added it to our pesto pasta last night,” our editor Courtney Kassel shared. “Nothing else out of the ordinary. Almost all of us were up with a stomach ache or cramps all night, and I was still bloated when I woke up this morning.”
Her story aligns with other recounts we’ve been hearing on the internet, claiming the pre-cooked chicken gives them a "bad time later."
Why Is Costco Chicken Causing Stomach Issues?
A recent Reddit thread has over 700 comments sharing disturbing details and speculating the reason for the sickness, but only one hypothesis has real evidence behind it.
Some people are pointing to “carrageenan” as the suspected culprit, a thickening agent which is known to cause some *ahem* digestive issues. The natural food additive, derived from seaweed, is commonly used as a stabilizing and gelling agent in the food industry. However, it is also known for its potential to cause gastrointestinal irritation in some eaters. Bloating, cramps, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms frequently linked to this ingredient.
Carrageenan is, in fact, an ingredient listed in the Costco rotisserie, so this seems like a pretty good theory. Why would a rotisserie chicken need a thickener? We don’t know, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it was part of the salt brine solution pumped into the bird to ensure juicy, moist meat.
If you’ve ever experienced a digestive issue with the Costco chicken, you might want to consider your reaction to other products with thickening agents (like ice cream, salad dressing, and plant-based milk) before blaming the bird.
Without conducting a formal study, we can’t say for certain that carrageenan is to blame for the mysterious bowel issues. But, until we find out more, you might want to grab your rotisserie from another grocer, or stick to making your juicy roast chicken yourself to avoid any meat mystery.
FAQs
However, it is also known for its potential to cause gastrointestinal irritation in some eaters. Bloating, cramps, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms frequently linked to this ingredient. Carrageenan is, in fact, an ingredient listed in the Costco rotisserie, so this seems like a pretty good theory.
What is the issue with Costco rotisserie chicken? ›
Costco's rotisserie chicken is arguably the most controversial piece of poultry in America. In the span of just one year, customers have claimed that the rotisserie chicken tastes like chemicals and causes gastrointestinal issues.
Can chicken cause stomach problems? ›
Raw chicken contains harmful bacteria. Eating uncooked or undercooked chicken, even in tiny amounts, can cause symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. If a person does not handle or cook chicken properly, it can cause unpleasant illnesses.
Why is store bought rotisserie chicken bad for you? ›
Some stores “inject the chickens with a solution, which might contain added salt, sugar, various natural flavorings,” Allers explains. “They add these other compounds – gums, stabilizers – to add flavor and moistness and make it look appetizing.”
Does Costco rotisserie chicken have chemicals in it? ›
Goldstein interviewed Harshavardhan Thippareddi, PhD, professor of poultry science at the University of Georgia, who explained that chickens are injected with phosphate to keep them juicy through the rotisserie preparation process, and some consumers may interpret this addition as a soapy or chemical-like flavor.
What are the negatives of rotisserie chicken? ›
While it's generally considered healthy, it also comes with significant drawbacks—including high sodium content and some questionable additives.
How long is it safe to eat a Costco rotisserie chicken? ›
Rotisserie chicken lasts for up to four days if cooked and stored correctly. Keep the chicken in an airtight container or zip-top bag, and do not consume leftover chicken if left at room temperature for an extended period of time (more than two hours).
Why did Costco change the rotisserie chicken package? ›
Here's why the wholesaler made this change. According to Consumer Reports, Costco made this change to “reduce its plastic use by 75%,” as well as “reduce its resin use by 17 million pounds per year.” Now, there are many environmental benefits to the change.
Is chicken hard on your digestive system? ›
Foods that are easier to digest include toast, white rice, bananas, eggs, chicken, salmon, gelatine, applesauce, and oatmeal. Symptoms of digestive problems include acid reflux, bloating, or abdominal pain.
Why do I have diarrhea after eating cooked chicken? ›
People can have an allergy or intolerance to chicken meat or other chicken products, including feathers or eggs. An allergy usually involves more generalized symptoms, such as swelling and rashes, while an intolerance involves digestive issues, such as diarrhea.
Coughing or wheezing Red, hives-like skin irritation Throat inflammation or swelling Swollen tongue or lips Nausea or vomiting Stomach cramps Diarrhea Sore throat Swollen and watery eyes In more severe cases, people can experience a dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Which is healthier, rotisserie or grilled chicken? ›
Rotisserie chicken is much lower in calories due to being oven-roasted.
Is it unhealthy to eat a whole rotisserie chicken? ›
Sorry to Tominsky, but she suggests not eating the entire rotisserie chicken solo. "Ideally, we are eating the chicken with some non-starchy veggies (think: broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, etc.) and a little bit of slow, fiber-filled carbohydrates (like roasted potatoes or quinoa)," she explains.
Is rotisserie chicken just as healthy as chicken breast? ›
Nutritional value of chicken
A 100-gram serving of boiled chicken breast contains approximately 165 calories, 31 grams of protein, and 3.6 grams of fat. In comparison, a 100-gram serving of rotisserie chicken breast contains around 195 calories, 26 grams of protein, and 8.8 grams of fat.
Where does Costco rotisserie chicken come from? ›
Costco Raises Its Own Chickens
To cut costs, Costco opened its own 400,000-square-foot poultry processing plant in Nebraska in 2019. The plant enables the company to manage the chickens from farm to production and ensures that the birds are grown to the correct size, typically around 3 pounds.
Is it safe to eat Costco rotisserie chicken after a week? ›
Rotisserie chicken lasts for up to four days if cooked and stored correctly. Keep the chicken in an airtight container or zip-top bag, and do not consume leftover chicken if left at room temperature for an extended period of time (more than two hours).
How long does it take to digest rotisserie chicken? ›
The digestion of proteins is a complex process that begins in the stomach and continues through the small intestine. For digestion duration, chicken typically falls in the range of approximately 2-3 hours to leave the stomach and may take up to 24 hours to be fully digested.
